08/24/16

Short Stays Make Hatteras Island Vacations Flexible

Vacation rental homes on the Outer Banks are known to be rented by the week, but did you know that most of our 450+ homes are available for partial week reservations? Have you ever felt like you need a vacation but just can’t stay for an entire week, or that one week just isn’t enough? We know how important vacation time is to families and we want you to have a vacation that fits your needs. Partial week stays at a percentage of the weekly rate are a great solution.

If you’re interested in a partial week rental:

SCHEDULE: Look at your calendar, talk to friends and family and decide what times you are available to visit.

SEARCH: Look for homes that meet your criteria and have availability during the time you’d like to visit.

LIST: Create a list of your favorite homes or use our convenient Beach Bag feature to make one for you – you can even share it with friends!

HIT THE BOOKING WINDOW: The partial stay booking window is within 14 days Labor Day through Memorial Day and 7 days during the Summer and Holidays. Once you’re in the window check to see what’s still available in your list!

CALL: one of our knowledgeable vacation specialists (1-800-237-1138) to work out the details!

Consider These Family Stories:

The Richardsons spend a week in July every summer in the same 8 bedroom oceanfront house. They love it. The kids spend all day rotating between the beach, pool and game room, and the home’s multiple levels allow all 15 family members to spread out and not ever feel crowded. No matter where they are in life they know they will have this annual family vacation to come back to.

Two years ago, the heartache of leaving Hatteras Island at the end of vacation got to be too much and Tom and Sherry decided they needed to find a way to get back to their “happy place” before July. They called Surf or Sound Realty to talk about options for Fall and that’s when they learned about partial week rentals. They found out that after Labor Day a partial week rental can be booked in an available home within 14 days of arrival with the owner’s approval. Perfect. They aimed for a long weekend in October, went on the website at the end of September to search for available homes and called to book a 4 night stay in a beautiful 5 bedroom soundfront home with a fireplace and hot tub. July sunrises over the ocean and October sunsets on the sound. Life is good.

The Talons make the trek to Hatteras Island from Quebec every April to take advantage of the stellar kiteboarding conditions. After two years they realized that a week wasn’t quite enough so now they book a two week stay or longer. Since they have flexibility in their time off, they will often add a few days to the front of their trip or after depending on what is available in the home (and what the wind forecast is).

There is a three-night minimum for partial week stays and during peak summer seasons and holidays partial rentals can only be made 7 days in advance. Click here for complete description of the prices and policies.

04/21/16

Cape Hatteras Named Best Beach

How can one beach consistently be at the top of the best family beaches lists? 70 miles of pristine coastline, uncrowded beaches, clean surf and quaint village charm are what keep Hatteras Island coming out on top. Here are a few of 2016’s recent mentions:

Cape Hatteras specifically was named one of the 10 best East Coast beaches by readers of USA Today, touting “ocean waves, coastal flora and fauna and a picturesque lighthouse,” along with magical experiences like “kiteboarding, crabbing and beach fires “ to be among the things that made Hatteras Island a winner.

U.S. News and World Report named the Outer Banks the #4 top family beach in the U.S.A. this year, because “OBX’s largely undeveloped landscape means you’ll have plenty of unobstructed photo ops. Peaceful waves, usually calm enough for swimmers of all levels, will put an extra dose of relaxation in your vacation.”

Most recently, Family Vacation Critic, part of the TripAdvisor family named Cape Hatteras National Seashore the top family friendly beach for 2016. They chose it because it offers “an authentic vacation away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, with the seashore of the main attraction”

Ready to book that vacation? Surf or Sound Realty has nearly 500 of Hatteras Island’s premier vacation homes waiting to welcome your family.

08/28/15

8 Reasons to Love Fall on Hatteras Island

Some places it’s the turning color of the leaves, or the start of football season. On Hatteras Island fall is marked by cooler comfortable evenings and warm golden light. The waters’ warmth lasts into October, the pace slows down a bit after the full swing of summer. Residents and visitors take a deep breath and pause to enjoy what for many is the most savored time of year on the Outer Banks. Here are some of the best things about Fall on Hatteras Island, won’t you join us?

Beach Bonfires
Allowed with a permit year-round, beach bonfires bring a warmth that’s especially welcome when the air is a bit cooler in the evenings on the beach. Whether roasting marshmallows for S’mores or just hanging out and telling stories in its glow – there’s something comforting about gathering around a fire with the people you love the most.

Beach Bonfires

Fall Restaurant Fare
It’s harvest season. Pair that with the bounty the sea brings this time of year and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fall feasting at locally-owned Hatteras Island restaurants.

Fishing
Speaking of fresh catch, fall fishing is a favorite pastime of many residents and generations of visitors to Hatteras Island. Whether you charter a boat off shore, paddle a kayak out in the sound, or cast a line from the beach or one of our piers – fishing is truly fantastic in the fall.

Fall Fishing

Golden Sunsets and Color-drenched Sunrises
Because of its position in the sky and the increasingly shorter days, sunrises and sunsets in the fall a spectacle to behold. Set against the golden sea oats or the fluffy marsh grass, the silhouettes and skies of fall please photographers and sky-watchers of every caliber.

Surfing and Kiteboarding
Hatteras Island claims the best surfing and kiteboarding on the East Coast, and wind and wave conditions are particularly good in Fall months. Rodanthe and Buxton are the most popular spots for surfing and uncrowded breaks can be found up and down the island.

Surf Season

Fireplaces
When you aren’t gathered around a bonfire outside, you can gather in your home’s great room around the gas-log fireplace to tell stories, play games or watch a movie.

Hot Tubs
Find respite from the crisp night air by slipping into your warm hot tub, listening to the waves and taking in the stars in the island’s unpolluted night sky.

Fall Festivals and Events
With a festival or event nearly every week, there are many wonderful ways to get involved and get inspired by the food and music of the region. Here are just a few, check out our Event Calendar for a full run-down of what’s happening.

Island Art Show – October 10, 2016 in Rodanthe
Come out and enjoy the work of over 20 local artists and their wares, enjoy live music, lunch, and a raffle. Show is FREE and raffle and food proceeds benefit local causes.

Outer Banks Triathalon – September 17 – 18, 2016 in Manteo
An annual racing event, Individual athletes and relay teams exhibit various ranges of skill and expertise. 2 days of inspiration, excitement, relationships and achievements. USAT Sanctioned event includes custom designed finisher medals, SWAG, and post race party with free beer and food for all Finishers.

Day at the Docks – September 16-19, 2016 in Hatteras
A celebration of Hatteras watermen with seafood cooking demos, fishing boats and gear, fishing industry skills contests and competitions, live music and games for children.

ESA Surfing Championships – September 18-24, 2016 in Nags Head
The largest amateur surfing organization in the world hosts the season’s “grand finale” where the best of the best surfers go head to head.

Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival – September 20-24, 2016 on Roanoke Island
4 days of down home cookin’ and good ‘ole Southern pickin’ featuring National Bluegrass Artists Rhonda Vincent, Sam Bush and Sam Vincent in a beautiful outdoor waterfront venue.

OctoBEERfest – October 1, 2016 in Avon (Pangea Tavern)
Gather at Pangea Tavern (I mean the German beer hall) for German food, beer specials, and live music. Cheers to fall!

Hatterasity Bluegrass Festival – October 6-8 in Hatteras Village
A three day Bluegrass Block Party featuring local food and talent, with regional and national bands playing bluegrass and Roots music. An event for food, fun, family and community.

Duck Jazz Festival – October 9, 2016 in Duck
Free day-long festival showcasing national, regional and local jazz musicians on two stages.

Outer Banks Seafood Festival – October 15 , 2016 in Nags Head
A fun and educational experience promoting, honoring and celebrating the area’s seafood heritage and community. You’ll find cooking demonstrations, educational booths and, best of all, the chance to eat fresh, local seafood from more than a dozen restaurants.

Fish Like a Girl Charity Fishing Tournament – October 15, 2016 in Avon
The Avon Pier’s all girls fishing tournament. A portion of proceeds will go to support the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation.

06/23/15

Cape Hatteras Named #1 Best Beach for 2015 by Business Insider

Number One Beach Business Insider
This year, Business Insider decided to take on the task of ranking the #1 beach in America. They combined some of the most notable beach rankings to develop the ULTIMATE best beach list for 2015. Coming in at #1: Cape Hatteras, of course! With it’s uncrowded shores, warm, tranquil sound waters, lighthouse and charming villages, anyone who has been here will tell you, it is simply the best.

Business Insider compiled rankings from top sites and publications like Dr. Beach, Forbes, Coastal Living and the Travel Channel to come up with their ultimate list. Read the full article or check out the top 13 video.

05/22/15

Cape Hatteras Named #5 Beach in America for 2015

Dr. Beach just announced his top 10 beaches in America for 2015 and Cape Hatteras has been awarded a place on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beach’s list for the 8th year in a row. Ranked #5 for 2015, Dr. Beach made his choices out of more than 650 public beaches in the country. The Barrier Island of Cape Hatteras was the first National Seashore. It’s villages boast maritime culture and history and it’s waters provide some of the best surfing and fishing along the East Coast. With excellent windsurfing conditions, and unspoiled, uncrowded beaches along with the most famous lighthouse in the United States, Cape Hatteras wins again and again.

In 2014 Cape Hatteras was ranked #6, 2013 – #82012 — #10, 2011 — #5, 2010 — #4, 2009 — #7, and in 2008 — #8. In 2007, Ocracoke Beach (part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore) was ranked #1 excluding it from further consideration to give other great beaches an opportunity to enjoy the spotlight.

Dr. Beach is Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. He received his Ph.D. in Environmental (Coastal) Sciences from the University of Virginia, and completed his undergraduate degree in Geosciences at North Carolina State University. He developed 50 criteria to rate beaches in an effort to create the first ever professional beach rating. Beaches are rated on everything from sand softness, turbidity, tidal range, safety, views, vistas and noise.

It won’t come as a surprise to any fan of Hatteras Island that our gorgeous uncrowded natural beaches continue to receive recognition and a scientific and professional stamp of approval. We know it’s one of the most magical places on earth!

02/19/15

Cape Hatteras Named Travel Channel’s #5 Sand and Surf Hotspot

With miles of uncrowded beaches and unrivaled kiteboarding conditions, it’s no surprise that Cape Hatteras was named #5 on the Travel Channel’s countdown of the Top 101 Sand and Surf Hot Spots in the world. The unique shape of the island means there’s almost always a hot spot for watersports – a place where the conditions are just right for surfing, kiteboarding, sailing, boogie boarding or just flying a kite.

The unique geography of the Outer Banks is what drew the Wright Brothers here over 100 years ago to test the flying machines that would become the first airplanes. It’s also what brings kiteboarders from all over the world to Hatteras Island to experience the thrill of riding the wind. With soft sandy beach breaks and miles of coastline the island is known as the best place on the East Coast to learn to surf. Another reason Hatteras Island is a must visit vacation destination.

Each hour-long Travel Channel episode features 20 Hotspots. Travel fans have been eagerly awaiting the top 20- catch it tonight at 5:00 Eastern Time on the Travel Channel or check out the Hatteras Island clip here:

12/17/14

Perfect Weather for the 2014 Hatteras Village Christmas Parade

This Saturday was a beautiful cool sunny day – perfect weather for the annual Hatteras Village Christmas Parade! This mile-long traditional parade brings out neighbors, businesses and visitors full of holiday cheer and a real sense of community.

Among the school marching band, the police departments, churches, horse stables and fire engines were the Surf or Sound Realty Elves! Bounding along the parade route next to a Surf or Sound maintenance truck all done up as the “seashells and jingle bells” float – the elves happily greeted parade-goers and handed out candy canes.

Afterwards everyone gathered at the community center for hot chocolate and cookies, another Hatteras Holiday tradition.

If you are ever in town parade weekend in December – the Christmas Parade is a village event your whole family can enjoy.

12/12/14

Shop Daniel Pullen Photography – Fine Art Prints, Wedding & Portrait Photography

Shop Hatteras Deal: Get 10% OFF Your Order of $10 or more of Fine Art Prints next week (December 14-20) Use the code SURFORSOUND at checkout. 10% off a Professional Wedding or Portrait Photography Package when you book it next week

Hatteras Island native Daniel Pullen is the descendant of 9 Cape Hatteras lighthouse keepers. His photography has been published by the world’s leading surf publications and he has become one of the leading photographers on the Outer Banks. His fine art photography is available for sale online in a variety of formats from gorgeous 5 foot wide photo canvases to incredibly affordable 8×10 fine art prints.

Daniel’s intimate knowledge of the Hatteras Island landscape and his gift for lifestyle photography make him one of the most popular portrait and wedding photographers on the Outer Banks. Is your family planning a 2015 beach vacation? A portrait package would make a memorable gift. If you know a bride-to-be getting married on Hatteras Island a wedding package would make an amazing Holiday and Wedding gift. Be sure to book next week for 10% off!

12/11/14

Shop Kinnakeet Clay – Handcrafted functional works of art

Shop Hatteras Offer: FREE shipping until December 19 when you mention Shop Hatteras! Click here to browse their virtual catalog on Facebook to see the latest and greatest of the beautiful items that are in stock and ready to ship.

Offering beautiful, affordable, works of art – hand-crafted regionally and locally with lots of love, Kinnakeet Clay has been a favorite shop of art collectors and savvy shoppers for many years. Their online catalog is a huge hit with Holiday shoppers looking to find a unique gift for friends and loved ones. Here are ceramic artist and shop owner Antoinette Mattingly’s hand-picked favorite gifts, all handmade in-store at Kinnakeet Clay – Studio & Showroom. Don’t forget to mention Shop Hatteras for free shipping! Give art this holiday season!

1 – Nautical Stoneware Ornaments – These make a complete gift all by themselves or can be used as gift tags or a little extra something around the neck of a bottle of wine. Individually hand pressed using slabs of stoneware clay. These ornaments are glazed in Peacock or Mint Green glazes. Design choices include: Crab, Seahorse, Starfish, Shells & Dragonflies. Remind those special folks on your list of their favorite Hatteras Island vacation! $12 each or 3 for $30.

2 – PEACE, LOVE & JOY Heart ornaments – Stoneware ornaments with net or vintage lace impressions and your choice of Peacock or Mint Green glaze. Wishing you Peace, Love & Joy this holiday season! $12 each or 3 for $30.

3 – Jar Frogs – What is a jar frog? So glad you asked! Simply place this stoneware jar frog atop a “regular” mouth jar and insert your fresh cut flowers. Voila! One stem or ten, you’ll create a beautiful arrangement. This is – by far – our most popular gift. Everyone loves a jar frog! $15 each. Glaze choices change often, see our Virtual Catalog for today’s options.

4 – Original Watercolor Beach Scene by resident artist Denise Gaskins – A well known local artist, Denise has been painting scenes depicting the stunning nature of Hatteras Island for the last thirty years. Her work is included in the collections of many Hatteras Island enthusiasts. This image measures 11″ X 15″ with an outer mat measuring 16″ X 20″. Make someone very, very happy with this fabulous gift. $175

5 – Mugglies – a CatFish Pottery original! Local potter, Edith Camp, sculpts characters onto her thrown stoneware forms. These are one of a kind, useable art pieces. No two are ever alike. Look around, you may see someone you know. Any resemblance to relatives, neighbors, friends or enemies simply can’t be helped. Starting at $50 – $68

12/10/14

Shop Kitty Hawk Kites – Give the Gift of Flight with a Kite

Shop Hatteras Deal – $5 OFF your $30 order at the Kitty Hawk Kites online store all the way through January 31, 2015 when you use the Coupon Code: SURFORSOUND.

Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly for 40 years. With locations in Rodanthe, Avon and Hatteras Village, Hatteras Island vacationers never have far to go to find the perfect kite. With kayak tours, jet ski rentals and kiteboarding lessons offered all summer long, there are even more reasons to visit. Check out these featured kites and wind spinners that someone on your list would love to find under the tree this year!

1 – Disney Frozen Elsa BreezyFliers Kite – This colorful nylon Frozen Elsa Kite is 57″ tall and will look awesome flying through the skies or as room decor. This single line kite is easy to fly for beginners and fun to fly for almost any age or skill level! Assembles in minutes and comes ready to fly with handle and 120′ of line included.

2 – Nutcracker 20″ Whirligig Wind Spinner – The Nutcracker Whirligig will spin its way into your heart with a flurry of color and motion. The Nutcracker 20 Inch spinner is a perfect way to accent your home, garden or business this holiday season!

3 – North American Cardinal Bird 23 Inch Wind Spinner – The Red Cardinal wind spinner will be a cheerful touch to any lawn, garden or patio. The Cardinal bird spinner’s wings rotate in the slightest of breezes while the spinner vanes with the wind.

4 – Prism Nexus Stunt Kite – The Prism Nexus Stunt kite’s dual line sport kite is tough enough for the beginner stunt kite pilot! It includes a compact carrying case, line set and wrist straps (is a great kite for traveling!).

5 – Kitty Hawk Kites Festive Sky Delta Kite Package – The Festive Sky Delta Kite Package comes complete with a stable, high-flying delta kite, a Yo Yo Winder of kite line, a Hypno Twister Tail and 2 Streamer Tails. The Festive Sky Kite Package makes a great gift for any age or skill level.

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